In a landmark event at the SunBet Arena last night, Msaki, the acclaimed South African singer-songwriter, celebrated a decade of musical excellence with her Camagu in Symphonyconcert. This historic performance not only marked her triumphant return to the stage but also established her as the first female artist to host a concert of this magnitude with a full orchestra in South Africa.
The evening was a mosaic of sound and emotion, weaving together Msaki’s rich musical journey. With a packed venue, the audience was enraptured from the first note. Fans sang along to every song, their voices merging with Msaki’s in a harmonious chorus that resonated throughout the arena. Many attendees were moved to tears during poignant moments, while upbeat numbers had the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Reflecting on the event, audience members described it as “a spiritual experience” and praised Msaki’s artistry as “pure soul.” Others noted the production’s high calibre and the emotional depth of the evening, with one attendee commenting: “Witnessing Msaki make history tonight was beyond words. This night will live in my heart forever.”
The concert featured orchestral renditions of Msaki’s most beloved songs, spanning her debut EP Nal’Ithemba, the critically acclaimed album Zaneliza, and her innovative collaborations that blend folk, electronic dance, and amapiano genres. Sharing the stage with Msaki were some of South Africa’s musical luminaries, including Sun-El Musician, Black Motion, TRESOR, Simmy, and ANATII, each adding their unique flair to the symphonic arrangements.
The significance of the event reverberated on social media, where fans expressed their awe:
- @GugsOutside: “Tonight Msaki created the most magical musical experience. I was also two seats away from Mam Letta Mbulu, saw Revolution play live for the first time, and learnt that Kayrendasoul ngowase Ngqamakwe. All to say, Enkosi Msaki. What a show. 💙”
- @guguzane: “I’ve always liked Msaki as a producer but today, I have new appreciation for her as an artist ❤️❤️ #CamaguInSymphony my God what an incredible show 🙌🏾”
- @twerkingyogi: “MSAKI and Anatii blew that stage up. You can tell so much practice went into that performance with Da Capo. Talk about black excellence!! #CamaguInSymphony”
- @unphased_lee: “Msaki is a gift 😭 what a show sana. The whole production was just top-notch 👌🏾 love her down #CamaguInSymphony #Msaki10.”
- @maoligp: “No way can anyone tell me the gods were not listening at this point. This is a prayer. An African spiritual chant. May Msaki be immortalised. #CamaguInSymphony #Msaki10.”
Msaki’s choice of the term ‘Camagu’, an isiXhosa word expressing gratitude, encapsulated the essence of the evening. She conveyed her deep appreciation to fans and collaborators, stating: “This night is about saying ‘Camagu’ – thank you. To those who have supported me, stood by me, and allowed me to grow into the artist I am today.”
The concert’s dress code, described as ‘tuxes and takkies’, mirrored the event’s fusion of elegance and vibrancy, symbolising the harmonious blend of orchestral grandeur with the dynamic beats that define South African music.
Partnered by Standard Bank and Windhoek, supported by SAMPRA, SABC, Arena Holdings, Nandos Michael Kelly, VOLVO, and Karl Lagerfeld, produced by Bassline and ALTBLK, Msaki’s Camagu in Symphony was more than a concert; it was a cultural milestone that showcased the power of music to unite and uplift. For those who missed this extraordinary event, the sentiment was unanimous: it was an experience not to be forgotten.
Connect with Msaki and Camagu in Symphony online for more on this historic event.
